Face covering

ABSTRACT

A face covering comprises a first part and a second part. The second part is attached to the first part along a border, the border extending from a) a nose region, corresponding to a nose of an individual when the face covering is worn by the individual, to b) a chin region, corresponding to a chin of the individual when the face covering is worn by the individual. The first part and the second part are separable along the border.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/102,631, filed on Jun. 23, 2020, pending, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a face covering, and in particular, to a face mask having separable first and second parts.

BACKGROUND

In recent years, amid a global pandemic, federal, state, and local authorities, as well as business, such as retail establishments, restaurants, and bars, have implemented various mandates for individuals to wear face coverings in an effort to protect those individuals and others from spreading and/or contracting viruses, such as the Coronavirus. By wearing a face covering, such as a face mask, viral particles are trapped on the outer surface of the face covering, thereby preventing the viral particles from entering and infecting the wearer of the face covering.

However, compliance with these mandates make some activities difficult. For example, eating, drinking, smoking, blowing an individual's nose, applying makeup or lipstick, and answering a telephone call, among other activities, may require a user to lower his or her face covering to a position below the chin, or remove the face covering altogether. In the process of lowering the face covering, the wearer must interact with the surface of the face covering, thereby coming into contact with the surface, and increasing potential exposure to viral particles on the surface. Additionally, in a lowered position, the outer surface of the face covering, and any viral particles on the outer surface, remain in close proximity to the user's mouth and/or nose, thus increasing potential exposure while engaging in the activities listed above. By way of example, when an individual is eating or drinking with a face covering lowered to his or her chin, he or she may bring utensils, such as a fork or a straw, in close proximity and/or contact with the outer surface of the face covering. Moreover, when a face covering is altogether removed, then placed on a nearby surface, for example, a table at a restaurant or bar, an office desk, a podium, etc., or when a face mask is laying against other clothing, the mask is exposed to surfaces that may contain viral particles, and/or the mask itself may be contaminated, thereby increasing potential exposure upon reuse of the mask.

In an effort to accommodate activities such as eating, drinking, and smoking, some face masks have been developed with unzippable mouth regions. However, those face masks still promote the contact of food or drink with the face mask, thereby maintaining potential exposure to viral particles on the face mask, as the outer surface of the face mask remains in close proximity to the user's mouth and/or nose once unzipped. Again, by way of example, when an individual is eating or drinking with a face mask unzipped in a mouth region, he or she may bring utensils, such as a fork or a straw, in close proximity and/or contact with the outer surface of the face mask, thus increasing potential exposure.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a face covering that protects a wearer from exposure to viral particles, while also allowing the user to engage in the activities referenced above, with minimal exposure and/or interaction with the outer surface of the face covering.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In one aspect, a face covering includes a first part and a second part. The second part is attached to the first part along a border, and the border extends from a) a nose region, corresponding to a nose of an individual when the face covering is worn by the individual, to b) a chin region, corresponding to a chin of the individual when the face covering is worn by the individual. The first part and the second part are separable along the border. The second part and the first part may be entirely separable.

In another aspect, a zipper attaches the second part and the first part along the border. When the second part is fully attached to the first part along the border, a zipper slider may be positioned in the nose region. When the second part is at least partially separated from the first part, the zipper slider may be positioned in the chin region. A zipper flap may at least partially cover the zipper. The zipper flap may be positioned on an exterior surface of the face covering. Alternatively, the zipper flap may be positioned on an interior surface of the face covering.

In another aspect, the first part and the second part each comprise at least two layers, including a first layer of anti-microbial treated fabric, and a second layer of material having a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) of at least 13. The first part and the second part may each comprise a third layer of fabric, the first layer forming an interior surface of the face covering, the third layer forming an exterior surface of the face covering, the second layer positioned between the first layer and the second layer.

In another aspect, a first attachment mechanism is located on the first part in the nose region, and a second attachment mechanism is located on the first part outside the nose region, the first attachment mechanism being removeably attachable to the second attachment mechanism when the first part and the second part are at least partially separated. A third attachment mechanism is located on the second part in the nose region, and a fourth attachment mechanism is located on the second part outside the nose region, the third attachment mechanism being removeably attachable to the fourth attachment mechanism when the first part and the second part are at least partially separated.

In yet another aspect, a first ear strap extends from the first part and returns to the first part, while a second ear strap extends from the second part and returns to the second part. A first tension adjustment mechanism may be located on the first ear strap, wherein the first tension adjustment mechanism is configured to selectively adjust a tension in the first ear strap, when the face covering is worn by the individual, and the first ear strap is placed around an ear of the individual. A second tension adjustment mechanism may be located on the second ear strap, wherein the second tension adjustment mechanism is configured to selectively adjust a tension in the second ear strap, when the face covering is worn by the individual, and the second ear strap is placed around an ear of the individual.

In a further aspect, a face covering include a first part, a second part, and, a zipper attaching the first part and the second part along a border, such that the first part and the second part are entirely separable. When the first part is fully attached to the second part along the border, a zipper slider may be positioned in a nose region, corresponding to a nose of an individual when the face covering is worn by the individual. When the first part is at least partially separated from the second part, the zipper slider is positioned in a chin region, corresponding to a chin of the individual when the face covering is worn by the individual.

In another aspect, the face covering may include a zipper flap at least partially covering the zipper.

In yet another aspect, the first part and the second part may each comprise at least two layers, including a first layer of anti-microbial treated fabric, and a second layer of material having a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) of at least 13.

In another aspect, a first attachment mechanism is located on the first part in the nose region, and a second attachment mechanism is located on the first part outside the nose region, the first attachment mechanism being removeably attachable to the second attachment mechanism when the first part and the second part are at least partially separated. A third attachment mechanism is located on the second part in the nose region, and a fourth attachment mechanism is located on the second part outside the nose region, the third attachment mechanism being removeably attachable to the fourth attachment mechanism when the first part and the second part are at least partially separated.

In another aspect, a face covering includes a first part, a second part, and a zipper attaching the first part and the second part along a border. The border extends from a) a nose region, corresponding to a nose of an individual when the face covering is worn by the individual, to b) a chin region, corresponding to a chin of the individual when the face covering is worn by the individual. When the first part is fully attached to the second part along the border, a zipper slider is positioned in the nose region, corresponding to a nose of an individual when the face covering is worn by the individual. When the second part is at least partially separated from the first part, the zipper slider is positioned in the chin region. The first part and the second part may be entirely separable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the disclosure. Moreover, in the figures, like referenced numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary face mask according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the face mask of FIG. 1, with a first part of the face mask attached to a second part of the face mask;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the face mask of FIG. 1, when the face mask is worn by an individual, with the first part of the face attached to the second part of the face mask;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the face mask of FIG. 1, when the face mask is worn by an individual, with the first part of the face mask partially separated from the second part of the face mask; and,

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of layers of material that may form the first part and the second part of the face mask of the FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION

In the following description, reference is made to a nose region 108 and a chin region 110. As used herein, and illustrated by dashed lines in FIG. 3, the nose region 108 may generally include portions of the face mask 100 that eventually cover at least a portion of an individual's nose when he or she is wearing the face mask 100, while the chin region 110 may generally include portions of the face mask 100 that eventually cover at least a portion of an individual's chin when he or she is wearing the face mask 100. The nose region 108 and the chin region 110 are not intended to demarcate precise areas of the face mask 100, but rather are intended to represent general areas to aid in the following discussion. It should be appreciated that the face mask 100 may be sized and shaped according to the target age and/or size of an individual that will wear the face mask 100, including both youth and adults.

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate an exemplary face covering, in the form of a face mask 100, according to the present disclosure. In general, the face mask 100 includes a first part 102 attached to a second part 104. As shown, the first part 102 comprises approximately a first half of the face mask 100, while the second part 104 comprises approximately a second half of the face mask 100. However, in other embodiments, the ratio of the first part 102 to the second part 104 is not limited to 50:50. Other ratios could include, for example, 60:40, 70:30, or anywhere therebetween.

The first part 102 is attached to the second part 104 along a border 106 between the first part 102 and the second part 104. The border 106 extends in a generally straight line from a nose region 108 to a chin region 110. However, in other embodiments, the border 106 may begin in other regions, including for example, a cheek region, and may end in other regions, including for example, a jawbone region. The cheek region may generally include portions of the face mask 100 that eventually cover at least a portion of an individual's cheek when he or she is wearing the face mask 100, while the jawbone region may generally include portions of the face mask 100 that eventually cover at least a portion of an individual's jawbone when he or she is wearing the face mask 100. Additionally, in other embodiments, the border 106 may extend linearly in more than one direction, or may extend nonlinearly in one or more directions, including for example, along a curved line.

The first part 102 and the second part 104 may be attached to one another along the boarder 106 via a conventional zipper 112 comprising a chain with opposing teeth, a bottom stop 114, a top stop 116, and a slider 118 configured to slide along the chain between the top stop 116 and the bottom stop 114, and vice-versa, to open and close the zipper 112. As shown, the zipper 112 is configured such that the bottom stop 114 is positioned in the chin region 110, while the top stop 116 is positioned in the nose region 108, such that when the first part 102 is entirely attached to the second part 104 along the border 106 with the zipper 112, the slider 118 is positioned in the nose region 108, and when the first part 102 is at least partially separated from the second part 104 along the border 106, the slider 118 is positioned in the chin region 106. In other words, the zipper 112 is configured to zip open from the nose region 108 to the chin region 110, and zip close from the chin region 110 to the nose region 108.

As shown, the zipper 112 fully traverses the face mask 100 along the border 106 from the nose region 108 to the chin region 110, with the bottom zipper stop 114 positioned at a bottom edge of the face mask 100, and the top zipper stop 116 positioned at a top edge of the face mask 100, such that the first part 102 is entirely separable from the second part 104 when the zipper 112 is fully unzipped. However, it is envisioned that the bottom zipper stop 114 may be positioned inward of the bottom edge of the face mask 100, such that the first part 102 and the second part 104 are only partially separable when the zipper 112 is fully unzipped.

In some embodiments, the zipper 112 may be at least partially covered by a zipper flap 128, illustrated in the figures by dashed lines. The zipper flap 128 may be attached to either the first part 102 or the second part 104 of the face mask 100, and is configured to extend over the zipper 112 to maintain a barrier to the flow of air and/or viral particles through the zipper 112, when the zipper 112 is closed. The zipper flap 128 may be positioned on an exterior surface or an interior surface of the face mask 100. When positioned on an interior surface of the face mask 100, the zipper flap 128 may have the advantage of shielding the wearer of the face mask 100 from uncomfortable contact, such as rubbing, with the zipper 112. In some embodiments, a zipper flap 128 may be positioned on both an exterior surface and an interior surface of the face mask.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate the first part 102 and the second part 104 may be attached along the border 106 by other suitable means. For example, in some embodiments, the zipper 112 may be replaced by interlocking Velcro strips or patches positioned on the first part 102 and the second part 104 along the border 106. Alternatively, the zipper 112 may be replaced by one or more magnets with attracting polarities positioned on the first part 102 and the second part 104 along the border 106.

The face mask 100 may optionally include one or more attachment mechanisms 120 a, 120 b, illustrated by dashed lines, positioned on the first part 102 and the second part 104. In general, the attachment mechanisms 120 a, 120 b may provide a means of holding the first part 102 and the second part 104 in retracted positions, when the zipper 112 is at least partially unzipped, and the first part 102 is at least partially separated from the second part 104. More specifically, the attachment mechanism 120 a may be removably attachable to the attachment mechanism 120 b, such that a portion of the first part 102 and/or the second part 104 may be folded outward onto itself, and retained in a retracted position. Attachment mechanism 120 a, 120 b may include interlocking Velcro strips or patches, magnets with attracting polarities, mating snaps, etc.

The face mask also includes a pair of ear straps 122, 124. More specifically, an ear strap 122 extends from the first part 102 and returns to the first part 102, while an ear strap 124 extends from the second part 104 and returns to the second part 104. The ear straps 122 and 124 are intended to be worn around an individual's ears when the face mask 100 is worn, and to provide a comfortable amount of tension pulling the face mask 100 toward the individual's face. Optionally, in some embodiments, each ear strap 122, 124 may be equipped with a tension adjustment mechanism 126 to selectively adjust the tension in each ear strap 122, 124, so that a comfortable amount of tension is maintained when the face mask 100 is worn, both when the zipper is closed and/or partially or fully open. Tension adjustment mechanism 126 may comprise a conventional toggle.

In some embodiments, one or more loops 130 may be positioned along the lower edge of the face mask 100 to provide an individual with a structure, other than the surface of the face mask 100, to grasp while moving the slider 118 along the chain of the zipper 112. In some embodiments, the one or more loops 130 may be placed along the lower edge and/or the top edge of the face mask.

Referring to FIG. 5, an exploded view is shown of the layers that may form the first part 102 and the second part 104 of the face mask 100. In some embodiments, the zipper flap 128 may also be formed of the layers shown in FIG. 5.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the face mask 100 may be constructed of three layers, including a first layer 140 of anti-microbial treated fabric, a second layer 150 of filtering material, and a third layer 160. The first layer 140 may form the inner surface of the facemask 100, and is selected to provide both comfort and a level of antimicrobial protection. For example, by infusing the first layer 140 with silver and/or copper elements, the first layer may offer a level of antimicrobial protection against bacteria, fungi, and certain viruses. The second layer 150 may be formed of any filtering material having a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) of at least 13, and preferably 16. By using a filtering material having a MERV rating of 13 to 16, the second layer 150 may capture particles greater the 0.3 micrometers, including for example, bacteria, droplets from sneezing, some, and most sources of air pollution. This level of filtration is common in patient and surgical areas of medical facilities, clean rooms, and nuclear plants, among others. The third layer 160 may form the outer surface of the facemask 100, and serves to protect the second layer 150 of filtering material, for example, when washing the face mask 100, while also providing a canvas for various aesthetic designs. In some embodiments, the third layer 160 may comprise a woven cotton.

In use, the facemask 100 protects a wearer from exposure to viral particles, while also allowing the user to engage in the activities such as eating, drinking, smoking, blowing an individual's nose, applying makeup or lipstick, and answering a telephone call, all with minimal exposure and/or interaction with the surface of the face mask. More specifically, when the facemask 100 is worn by an individual, as shown in FIG. 3, he or she may grab an edge of the facemask 100, and/or the one or more loops 130, then selectively pull the slider 118 of the zipper 112 downward, from the nose region 108, toward the chin region 110, to at least partially separate the first part 102 and the second part 104 along the border 106, as shown in FIG. 4, thereby exposing the individual's nose and/or mouth. As the first part 102 is at least partially separated from the second part 104, tension in the ear straps 122 will cause the first part 102 and the second part 104 to further separate, ultimately to a position where neither the first part 102 or the second part 104 are in close proximity to the user's nose and/or mouth, such that he or she may eat, drink, apply lipstick, etc., with minimal or reduced exposure to the outer surface of the facemask 100. Notably, when the border 106 extends from the nose region 108 to the chin region 110, and as the first part 102 and the second part 104 separate, the outer surface of the facemask 100 curls outward, thereby exposing the interior surface of the facemask 100 and providing a barrier to the exterior surface of the facemask 100, including for example, for food, eating utensils, and the like, that the user may bring toward his or her mouth or nose. Additionally, when the first part 102 and the second part 104 are at least partially separated, the first part 102 and/or the second part 104 may be folded outward onto itself and retained in a retracted position (not shown), using the one or more attachment mechanisms 120 a, 120 b.

When the individual has concluded his or her activities, he or she may again grab an edge of the facemask 100, and/or the one or more loops 130, then selectively pull the slider 118 of the zipper 112 upward, from the chin region 110, toward the nose region 108, to attach the first part 102 and the second part 104 along the border 106, thereby covering the individual's nose and mouth

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of implementing the claims.

One skilled in the art will realize that a virtually unlimited number of variations to the above descriptions are possible, and that the examples and the accompanying figures are merely to illustrate one or more examples of implementations.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various other modifications can be made, and equivalents can be substituted, without departing from claimed subject matter. Additionally, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation to the teachings of claimed subject matter without departing from the central concept described herein. Therefore, it is intended that claimed subject matter not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that such claimed subject matter can also include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims, and equivalents thereof.

In the detailed description above, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of claimed subject matter. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that claimed subject matter can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, methods, devices, or systems that would be known by one of ordinary skill have not been described in detail so as not to obscure claimed subject matter.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one aspect,” or “an aspect” can mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with a particular embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of claimed subject matter. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “in on aspect,” or “an aspect,” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily intended to refer to the same embodiment or to any one particular embodiment described. Furthermore, it is to be understood that particular features, structures, or characteristics described can be combined in various ways in one or more embodiments. In general, of course, these and other issues can vary with the particular context of usage. Therefore, the particular context of the description or the usage of these terms can provide helpful guidance regarding inferences to be drawn for that context. 

I claim:
 1. A face covering comprising: a first part; and, a second part, the second part attached to the first part along a border, the border extending from a) a nose region, corresponding to a nose of an individual when the face covering is worn by the individual, to b) a chin region, corresponding to a chin of the individual when the face covering is worn by the individual; wherein the first part and the second part are separable along the border.
 2. The face covering of claim 1, wherein the second part and the first part are entirely separable.
 3. The face covering of claim 1, further comprising a zipper attaching the second part and the first part along the border.
 4. The face covering of claim 3, wherein when the second part is fully attached to the first part along the border, a zipper slider is positioned in the nose region.
 5. The face covering of claim 4, wherein when the second part is at least partially separated from the first part, the zipper slider is positioned in the chin region.
 6. The face covering of claim 3, further comprising a zipper flap at least partially covering the zipper.
 7. The face covering of claim 6, wherein the zipper flap is positioned on an exterior surface of the face covering.
 8. The face covering of claim 6, wherein the zipper flap is positioned on an interior surface of the face covering.
 9. The face covering of claim 1, wherein the first part and the second part each comprise at least two layers, including a first layer of anti-microbial treated fabric, and a second layer of material having a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) of at least
 13. 10. The face covering of claim 9, wherein the first part and the second part each comprise a third layer of fabric, the first layer forming an interior surface of the face covering, the third layer forming an exterior surface of the face covering, the second layer positioned between the first layer and the second layer.
 11. The face covering of claim 1, further comprising: a first attachment mechanism located on the first part in the nose region, and a second attachment mechanism located on the first part outside the nose region, the first attachment mechanism being removeably attachable to the second attachment mechanism when the first part and the second part are at least partially separated; and, a third attachment mechanism located on the second part in the nose region, and a fourth attachment mechanism located on the second part outside the nose region, the third attachment mechanism being removeably attachable to the fourth attachment mechanism when the first part and the second part are at least partially separated.
 12. The face covering of claim 1, further comprising: a first ear strap extending from the first part and returning to the first part; a second ear strap extending from the second part and returning to the second part; a first tension adjustment mechanism located on the first ear strap, wherein the first tension adjustment mechanism is configured to selectively adjust a tension in the first ear strap, when the face covering is worn by the individual, and the first ear strap is placed around an ear of the individual; and, a second tension adjustment mechanism located on the second ear strap, wherein the second tension adjustment mechanism is configured to selectively adjust a tension in the second ear strap, when the face covering is worn by the individual, and the second ear strap is placed around an ear of the individual.
 13. A face covering comprising: a first part; a second part; and, a zipper attaching the first part and the second part along a border; wherein the first part and the second part are entirely separable.
 14. The face covering of claim 13, wherein when the first part is fully attached to the second part along the border, a zipper slider is positioned in a nose region, corresponding to a nose of an individual when the face covering is worn by the individual.
 15. The face covering of claim 14, wherein when the first part is at least partially separated from the second part, the zipper slider is positioned in a chin region, corresponding to a chin of the individual when the face covering is worn by the individual.
 16. The face covering of claim 13, further comprising zipper flap at least partially covering the zipper.
 17. The face covering of claim 13, wherein the first part and the second part each comprise at least two layers, including a first layer of anti-microbial treated fabric, and a second layer of material having a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) of at least
 13. 18. The face covering of claim 14, further comprising: a first attachment mechanism located on the first part in the nose region, and a second attachment mechanism located on the first part outside the nose region, the first attachment mechanism being removeably attachable to the second attachment mechanism when the first part and the second part are at least partially separated; and, a third attachment mechanism located on the second part in the nose region, and a fourth attachment mechanism located on the second part outside the nose region, the third attachment mechanism being removeably attachable to the fourth attachment mechanism when the first part and the second part are at least partially separated.
 19. A face covering comprising: a first part; a second part; and, a zipper attaching the first part and the second part along a border, the border extending from a) a nose region, corresponding to a nose of an individual when the face covering is worn by the individual, to b) a chin region, corresponding to a chin of the individual when the face covering is worn by the individual; wherein when the first part is fully attached to the second part along the border, a zipper slider is positioned in the nose region, corresponding to a nose of an individual when the face covering is worn by the individual; and, wherein when the second part is at least partially separated from the first part, the zipper slider is positioned in the chin region.
 20. The face covering of claim 20, wherein the first part and the second part are entirely separable. 